Bikram Yoga: Controversies, Evolution, and Its Modern Name

What is bikram yoga called now?

While the specific "Bikram Yoga" brand name is still used by some studios adhering strictly to its original format, it is largely referred to as "hot yoga" or various branded hot yoga styles today, primarily due to the severe legal and ethical controversies surrounding its founder, Bikram Choudhury.

The Legacy of Bikram Choudhury and Its Impact

Bikram Yoga, as originally conceived by Bikram Choudhury, became a global phenomenon in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Its distinctive format involved a fixed sequence of 26 postures (asanas) and two breathing exercises (pranayama), performed over 90 minutes in a room heated to 105°F (40°C) with 40% humidity. Choudhury aggressively marketed and franchised his method, creating a highly recognizable brand.

However, over the past decade, Bikram Choudhury faced numerous civil lawsuits alleging sexual assault, harassment, and racial discrimination. These accusations, including multiple judgments against him, led to his flight from the United States and a significant decline in his personal reputation and the brand's public image. Consequently, many studios that once operated under the "Bikram Yoga" banner sought to distance themselves from Choudhury and his controversies.

The Legal Landscape and Intellectual Property

A pivotal moment in the evolution of Bikram Yoga's naming occurred with legal challenges regarding its intellectual property. Choudhury attempted to copyright the 26-posture sequence, asserting that it was his unique creation. However, in 2015, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled that yoga sequences, like dance choreography, are not copyrightable. This decision had profound implications:

• Open Access to the Sequence: It meant that any yoga studio or instructor could teach the 26-posture sequence without infringing on a copyright, provided they did not use the "Bikram Yoga" trademarked name or logo.
• Facilitated Rebranding: This legal clarity allowed former Bikram studios to continue offering the popular heated sequence while rebranding under new names, further accelerating the shift away from the "Bikram" designation.

The Evolution of Hot Yoga: Beyond the "Bikram" Name

In response to the legal rulings and the founder's controversies, the vast majority of studios that previously taught Bikram Yoga have either closed or rebranded. They now operate under generic "hot yoga" names or develop their own proprietary heated yoga styles. This shift reflects:

• Ethical Disassociation: Studios aimed to provide a safe and ethical environment for practitioners, free from the shadow of Choudhury's alleged misconduct.
• Creative Freedom: Without the strict adherence to the "Bikram" brand, instructors gained the freedom to modify the sequence, incorporate different poses, or blend it with other yoga styles (e.g., Vinyasa, Hatha).
• Market Adaptation: The yoga landscape is dynamic, and studios adapted by offering a wider variety of heated classes to appeal to diverse preferences.

What is "Hot Yoga" Today?

"Hot yoga" is now a broad umbrella term encompassing any yoga practice performed in a heated environment. While many hot yoga classes still feature elements of the original 26-posture Bikram sequence due to its enduring popularity and perceived benefits, they are rarely called "Bikram Yoga" unless they are one of the few remaining studios that explicitly maintain the original affiliation and adherence to the precise sequence and teaching methodology.

Modern hot yoga classes often include:

• Heated Vinyasa: Flow-based sequences in a hot room.
• Heated Hatha: Slower-paced, hold-focused poses in a hot room.
• Specialized Hot Yoga Brands: Many large chains and independent studios have developed their own branded hot yoga styles with unique sequences, music, and teaching philosophies.
• Infrared Heated Studios: Some studios use infrared heating panels, which are believed to offer different benefits compared to traditional forced-air heating.

Benefits and Considerations of Heated Yoga Practices

Regardless of the specific style, the practice of yoga in a heated environment offers several potential benefits and requires important considerations:

Potential Benefits:

• Enhanced Flexibility: Heat can increase muscle elasticity and extensibility, potentially allowing for deeper stretches.
• Increased Cardiovascular Demand: The heat raises heart rate, offering a cardiovascular workout.
• Detoxification (Sweating): Profuse sweating is often associated with detoxification, though the scientific evidence for this specific benefit is debated.
• Improved Circulation: Heat can promote vasodilation, enhancing blood flow.
• Mental Focus and Discipline: The challenging environment often requires heightened concentration and mental fortitude.

Important Considerations and Precautions:

• Hydration is Crucial: Practitioners must hydrate adequately before, during, and after class to prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
• Listen to Your Body: The heat can sometimes mask the body's natural warning signals. It's essential to avoid pushing beyond safe limits.
• Avoid Overstretching: While flexibility may increase, ligaments and tendons can also become more pliable, increasing the risk of overstretching or injury if not practiced mindfully.
• Pre-existing Conditions: Individuals with cardiovascular issues, high blood pressure, diabetes, or who are pregnant should consult a doctor before participating in hot yoga.
• Electrolyte Replacement: For regular practitioners, consider incorporating electrolyte-rich fluids or foods.

Finding Your Heated Yoga Practice

If you are interested in heated yoga, look for studios that clearly describe the style of hot yoga they offer (e.g., Hot Vinyasa, Hot Hatha, or a specific branded sequence). Prioritize studios with certified instructors who emphasize proper alignment, modifications, and a safe environment. While the "Bikram" name has largely faded from common usage, the practice of yoga in a heated room continues to thrive under various new and evolving forms.